United States of America to Spain
The United States of America to Spain route is electrically incompatible. Different plug types and 110V voltage difference.
Need an Adapter?
Yes! Yes, you need a Type A/B to Type C/F adapter
Need a Voltage Converter?
Yes — 230V can damage single-voltage United States of America devices
🔍 Why This Route Matters
Traveling from United States of America to Spain means crossing more than just time zones. You're entering a completely different electrical ecosystem. United States of America uses Type A/B plugs, while Spain runs on Type C/F. They're completely incompatible. Where things get tricky: United States of America supplies 120V of power, but Spain delivers 230V. That's enough difference to damage devices without proper conversion. National animal is the Portuguese. Getting it right means one less thing to worry about when you land.
Side-by-Side Comparison ⚡
🎯 What Locals Know (That Tourists Don't)
- ✦Uses 24H time format (e.g., 23:00)
- ✦Temperature measured in Celsius (°C)
- ✦Electrical system uses 230V at 50Hz with Type C/F plugs
- ✦Tap water safety: drinkable
- ✦Airport electronics shops in Spain charge 3-4x typical adapter prices. Buy before you leave.
- ✦Most phone and laptop chargers handle 100-240V automatically (check the fine print on the brick)
What You Need for This Trip 🧳
Plug Adapter
RequiredUnited States of America's Type A/B plugs won't fit Spain's Type C/F outlets.
Voltage Converter
May Be RequiredSpain uses 230V vs United States of America's 120V. Most modern electronics handle this automatically.
Airport & Arrival Tip
MAD is your first stop, and potentially your first charging opportunity. Look for dedicated device charging kiosks in the arrivals hall (some require payment, others are free). Airport electronics shops sell adapters, but expect to pay 2-3x normal retail. Better to buy online before departure. Many ride-share drivers have USB chargers available. Don't hesitate to ask. Coffee shops are reliable charging spots while you adjust to the time zone.
Packing Advice
Pack both a plug adapter (Type A/B to Type C/F) AND a voltage converter (120V to 230V). You'll need both. Consider a universal travel adapter with USB ports. It'll work for Spain and future trips. Charge your power bank overnight at the hotel. It's your backup plan for outlet-scarce days. Label your cables with colored tape or tags. Hotels have lost luggage full of identical black cables. Laptops and phone chargers are almost always dual-voltage (100-240V). Converters are usually for other items. Test all your adapters at home before packing. Discovering a faulty adapter at your hotel is frustrating.
Seasonal Considerations
Time of year matters for power planning in Spain, especially if you're visiting during temperature extremes. **Summer travel:** Peak tourist season = crowded outlets at cafes and attractions. Charge at off-hours. **Winter travel:** Shorter days mean more screen-on time for navigation and entertainment. Plan accordingly. **Holiday season:** Festive season shopping requires full phone battery for photos, maps, and payment apps. Plan for worst-case scenarios with your power setup. You'll be glad you over-prepared.